The Real Tudors: Kings & Queens Rediscovered

‘The Real Tudors: Kings & Queens Rediscovered’ opened at the National Portrait Gallery on 12th September 2014 and runs until 1st March 2015.

This free display is in the usual Tudor Galleries on the third floor of the NPG. Each Tudor monarch has their own section, starting with Henry VII and Henry VIII in Room 1, Edward VI, Mary I and Elizabeth I in Room 2 and Lady Jane Grey in Room 3.

Apart from seeing the Lady Jane ‘Streatham’ portrait back on display, the most fascinating objects in the exhibition for me, were the items that belonged to each Tudor monarch. It was great to see the Elizabeth locket ring again, to see Mary I’s Prayer book and to stand face to face with Henry VII.

As the gallery was quite crowded, I will have to wait for my next visit to read all the analysis of the paintings.

‘This book was given by Henry VII to his daughter Margaret before she left England in order to marry King James IV of Scotland. He inscribed it to her with the note, ‘Remember your king and loving Father in your prayers, Henry, King.’

Mary IHans EworthOil on panel, 1554(c) Society of Antiquaries of London

The Queen Mary Book of Prayers
Illuminated manuscript on vellum c.1554
Unknown artist

‘ These pages are from a manuscript containing instructions for two ceremonies that were usually performed by the monarch on Good Friday.’

‘Time stands still with gazing on her face.’

Verse praising Elizabth I set to music by John Dowland

The Elizabeth I section consists of:

7 portraits
3 miniatures
Locket ring

The miniatures include a coronation miniature of ‘Elizabeth I by an unknown English artist. Gouache on vellum laid on card, late sixteenth century.

(c) Chequer’s Estate

Locket ring
Mother of pearl hoop, rubies, diamonds and enamel
c.1575

‘This exquisite ring opens to reveal two portraits beneath the diamond E: one of Elizabeth in profile, and the other of a woman in a French hood, who is probably Anne Boleyn.’

‘God and posterity will show me favour.’

Lady Jane Grey

The Lady Jane Grey section consists of:

1 portrait
1 engraving

(c) NPG 6804; Lady Jane Dudley (nee Grey)

The portrait of Lady Jane is labeled as:

Lady Jane Grey
By an unknown artist
Oil on panel, late sixteenth century

‘Lady Jane Grey was named as heir to the throne by her cousin Edward VI: however, she was imprisoned after only nine days’ rule when Mary successfully asserted her right to the crown. Highly educated and devoutly Protestant, it was only during Elizabeth’s reign that she became more widely known. This fuelled an interest in her portraiture and portraits such as this example were created to mark her place for an Elizabethan audience. However, no lifetime portraits of Jane appear to survive and it is possible that none were ever painted.

By 1620, one image had gained credence as a lifetime portrait and was used as the basis for an engraving. However, the sitter in this image wears a jewel that is very similar to one that belonged to Katherine Parr, and may be Henry VIII’s sixth queen.’

Portraits of Anne Boleyn, Richard III and Catherine Parr have been moved to Room 4. As the light in Room 4 is much better than in the Tudor galleries, you can really appreciate the colours on the Catherine Parr ‘Master John’ portrait.

You can buy the exhibition catalogue from the National Portrait Gallery shop.